Guess who passed their certification training and test to become an Usborne School & Library rep?
That's right, me!
Not having needed to take a test in years, I was pretty stressed about it. I'd heard on other groups how some people didn't pass and after so many tries had to wait to take it again. That meant even more stress on me. This is something I WANT. I have always wanted to own a bookstore and I feel this is a stepping stone in that direction. At the very least, this is a great alternative!
So, what does this mean for our family? Essentially, I can still take this job with me, anywhere. If there are people, schools, libraries, or youth programs in the area that haven't been given the opportunity to experience Usborne's amazing products, I can be their dealer.
Unlike other dealers of various products, I am not a pusher. I will not push you to purchase anything. That isn't the point. The point of being a book dealer is to encourage literacy. Believe me, I know what saying that means: I won't be making millions selling books. I am completely okay with that.
I love books, and I love to talk about books, and show off books with great stories and educational benefit, for all ages. To be honest, it's safe to say I buy more books than I sell. I make no apologies. Books are amazing! Usborne Books & More and Kane Miller Publishing are just two companies promoting amazing books. I am proud to be part of that and help spread the joy of reading these books to others.
I recently received one of my orders, I say one because there have been many, and my success kit. Two books arrived and I have been excited to read and share them! Lil Monster and I just sat and read through them, they are quick reads with great messages.
First is Boy by Phil Cummings and Shane Devries.
From the back cover:
"The king's battles with the dragon were always might and loud. Boy lived in silence and couldn't hear the fighting. But he could see the fear around him... and how everyone would be much happier without it."
Boy is a fabulous story about a hearing-impaired child who loves life. It's his impairment that causes the fighting around him to pause so that everyone might take a moment to listen to each other.
Next is Luna Loves Library Day by Joseph Coelho.
From the back cover:
"Today is Luna's library day. Book bag- check. Library card- check. Adventure with bugs, dinosaurs, magic and DAD- check!"
Luna Loves Library Day is a sweet story featuring Luna, a young girl who loves spending time with her dad, and books! This unobtrusive book, and book in a book, explains the love parents have for their child, even when they don't live together.
I plan to finish reading Star of Deltora: Shadows of the Master by Emily Rodda this evening. It is captivating. A story about a the daughter of a famous trader who disgraced his community by abandoning them and the daughter's desire to become a famous tradeswoman in her own right. It's not the antithesis to The Mapmakers Chronicles. Completely different storyline, but just as intriguing. Both series I would encourage K1(15b) and K2(12b) to read. The characters are created well and the action isn't boring.
Next up to read is Butterflies by Susanne Gervay, followed by The Adventures of Alfie Onion by Vivian French, Axel & Beast by Adrian C. Bott, Penny Dreadful by Joanna Nadin, Usborne Graphic Classics Dracula by Russell Punter, The Impossible Quest: Escape from Wolfhaven Castle by Kate Forsyth and Olga da Polga by Michael Bond (author of Paddington Bear). All of these are different interests and reading abilities. Click on the titles and be magically transported, via the interwebs, to my UBAM page to read more.
It sounds like a lot, doesn't it? Don't worry, I still give myself plenty of reading time with "grown-up" books. This doesn't feel like reading for a job though. I don't want to give that impression. No, these books interest me! When I read them and have the kids read them, we can have our book discussions on a story we are both versed in. Not just my kids, but any kids. Do you know how much fun it is to meet a friend's kiddo who has read a book that I, too, have read?
Immediately get out of "mom's friend" status and move to "she's pretty cool" status. Being cool mom is fun! It encourages conversation and the kids get excited to see you. Not just the whole "ugh, mom's friend is here. They're going to be talking about nothing for HOURS." You know what I mean.
Plus! It also gives you ideas on what type of books they enjoy so you can recommend more later on.
There are so many other books I could gush on in this post, but I think I'll leave it at that for now. If you have any questions, need any ideas, want to throw a party (I do surprise parties too, just ask my sister!), or join my group to see the newest titles when they release and get involved in amazing deals, just let me know! Message me on my biz page Amber's Book Stop, or comment here and I will find and add you.
No rush, no pressure, just books and stuff!
Off I go to create new business cards for the schools and libraries I would like to discuss books with, and then do the cool grown up thing: coloring, before bed.
You know what I'm reading, what are YOU reading?
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